Biomedical subjects

K L Moore

Publications and source records attributed to K L Moore.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed1996

Neutrophil-neutrophil interactions under hydrodynamic shear stress involve L-selectin and PSGL-1. A mechanism that amplifies initial leukocyte accumulation of P-selectin in vitro.

Leukocytes attach to and roll on inflamed endothelium and on leukocyte monolayers that form on the endothelial cells. Leukocyte-leukocyte interactions occurring under hydrodynamic shear stress are mediated by binding of L-selectin to unknown sialomucin-like glycoproteins. We show that purified neutrophil PSGL-1, a sialomucin glycoprotein that serves as a ligand for both P- and E-selectin, can also support the attachment and rolling of free flowing neutrophils in vitro. Neutrophil rolling on PSGL-1 was abolished by the anti-L-selectin mAb DREG200 and by the anti-PSGL-1 mAb PL1, indicating that L-selectin can interact directly with PSGL-1. Neutrophil rolling on neutrophil monolayers was also blocked by PL1 (60 +/- 9% SEM inhibition); however, DREG200 blocked more efficiently (93 +/- 7% SEM inhibition), suggesting that other L-selectin ligands may exist on the neutrophil surface. These studies demonstrate that PSGL-1 on the neutrophil surface is a major functional ligand for L-selectin. The avidity of this L-selectin-dependent adhesion event was sufficient to allow individual neutrophils rolling on P-selectin to capture free flowing neutrophils, which progressed to form linear strings and discrete foci of rolling neutrophils. Neutrophil accumulation on P-selectin accelerated with time as a result of neutrophil-assisted capture of free flowing neutrophils. When neutrophil-neutrophil interactions were blocked by DREG200, neutrophils accumulated on P-selectin in a random pattern and at a uniform rate. Thus, leukocyte-assisted capture of flowing leukocytes may play an important role in amplifying the rate of initial leukocyte recruitment at sites of inflammation.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

PubMed1996

Visualization of P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 as a highly extended molecule and mapping of protein epitopes for monoclonal antibodies.

P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1), a sialomucin on human leukocytes, mediates rolling of leukocytes on P-selectin expressed by activated platelets or endothelial cells under shear forces. PSGL-1 requires both tyrosine sulfate and O-linked glycans to bind P-selectin. Electron microscopy of rotary-shadowed PSGL-1 purified from human neutrophils indicated that it is a highly extended molecule with an extracellular domain that is -50 nm long. Both individual PSGL-1 molecules and rosettes composed of several molecules presumably attached at their transmembrane segments were observed. The extracellular domain of PSGL-1 has 318 residues, including a signal peptide from residues 1-18 and a propeptide from residues 19-41. Using bacterially expressed fusion proteins and synthetic peptides derived from the extracellular domain, we mapped the epitopes for two IgG anti-PSGL-1 monoclonal antibodies, PL1 and PL2. PL2 bound to a region within residues 188-235 that is located in a series of decameric consensus repeats. PL1, which blocks binding of PSGL-1 to P-selectin, recognized an epitope spanning residues 49-62. This sequence overlaps the tyrosine sulfation sites at residues 46, 48, and 51 that have been implicated in binding of PSGL-1 to P-selectin. Our results demonstrate that PSGL-1 is a long, extended molecule and suggest that the P-selectin binding site is located near the N terminus, well above the membrane. This location may facilitate interactions of PSGL-1 with P-selectin under shear stress.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1996

Activated platelets signal chemokine synthesis by human monocytes.

Human blood monocytes adhere rapidly and for prolonged periods to activated platelets that display P-selectin, an adhesion protein that recognizes a specific ligand on leukocytes, P-selectin glycoprotein-1. We previously demonstrated that P-selectin regulates expression and secretion of cytokines by stimulated monocytes when it is presented in a purified, immobilized form or by transfected cells. Here we show that thrombin-activated platelets induce the expression and secretion of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 and IL-8 by monocytes. Enhanced monokine synthesis requires engagement of P-selectin glycoprotein-1 on the leukocyte by P-selectin on the platelet. Secretion of the chemokines is not, however, directly signaled by P-selectin; instead, tethering of the monocytes by P-selectin is required for their activation by RANTES (regulated upon activation normal T cell expressed presumed secreted), a platelet chemokine not previously known to induce immediate-early gene products in monocytes. Adhesion of monocytes to activated platelets results in nuclear translocation of p65 (RelA), a component of the NF-kappaB family of transcription factors that binds kappaB sequences in the regulatory regions of monocyte chemotactic protein-1, IL-8, and other immediate-early genes. However, expression of tissue factor, a coagulation protein that also has a kappaB sequence in the 5' regulatory region of its gene, is not induced in monocytes adherent to activated platelets. Thus, contact of monocytes with activated platelets differentially affects the expression of monocyte products. These experiments suggest that activated platelets regulate chemokine secretion by monocytes in inflammatory lesions in vivo and provide a model for the study of gene regulation in cell-cell interactions.

Blood Platelets↗

PubMed1996

Avian metallothioneins: structure, regulation and evolution.

This article reviews studies of the molecular biology of the avian metallothionein (MT) genes. Analysis of cloned genes and/or cDNAs from chicken, turkey, pheasant and quail suggests that each of these species possesses a very simple MT gene family. The MT from these birds is a cysteine-rich protein of 63 amino acids that shares extensive structural homology with the mammalian MTs, and, remarkably, the deduced amino acid sequence of the major metallothionein is identical in each of these birds. The chicken MT gene is inducible by dietary or injected metal ions [i.e., zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu)], bacterial lipopolysaccharide and oxidative stress. Furthermore, it is expressed during liver development. The turkey and chicken MT genes are identical in gross structure to other functional MT genes. They consist of three exons separated by two intervening sequences. Comparisons of the nucleotide sequences of the turkey and chicken MT genes revealed regions of exceptionally high sequence conservation, suggesting important functions such as splicing, polyadenylation and transcriptional activation. Structure-function studies of the chicken MT promoter using transient transfection assays and transgenic mice have revealed cis-acting promoter sequences involved in the induction of chicken MT gene expression by metals ions. A metal-responsive enhancer was located in the proximal 107-bp of the chicken MT promoter in a region highly conserved in both the turkey and chicken MT genes. Function of this enhancer element apparently requires cooperation of transcription factors interacting with an Sp 1 binding site and a single palindromic metal-responsive element. In this regard, the structure of the proximal region of the chicken and turkey MT promoters is unique. Our current studies suggest that this enhancer regulates gene expression in a position-independent manner in transgenic mice.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1995

Leukocyte rolling in vivo is mediated by P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1.

Leukocyte rolling, an early and important step in the inflammatory response, is mediated by the selectin family of adhesion molecules. The selectins bind with low affinity to sialylated and fucosylated glycans such as sialyl Lewisx (sLex), but bind with high affinity to only a few specific glycoproteins on cell surfaces. One such glycoprotein is P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1). The relative contributions of low- and high-affinity ligands to leukocyte rolling in vivo are unknown. We show here that a monoclonal antibody to PSGL-1 (PL1) dramatically reduces rolling of human polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) and promyelocytic HL-60 cells in venules of acutely exteriorized rat mesentery. Control PMN and HL-60 cell rolling flux fractions were 39% +/- 3% and 33% +/- 5%, which were reduced by PL1 to 7% +/- 2% and 6% +/- 2%, respectively. Similar reductions were seen with F(ab) fragments of PL1. PL1-treated PMN rolled at significantly higher mean velocities than untreated PMN owing to intermittent rather that continuous interactions. These findings show that interaction of P-selectin with PSGL-1 is required for rolling of myeloid cells in mesenteric venules at physiologic shear stress in vivo.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

Tyrosine sulfation of P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 is required for high affinity binding to P-selectin.

P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) is a mucin-like glycoprotein on leukocytes that is a high affinity ligand for P-selectin. Previous studies have shown that sialylation and fucosylation of PSGL-1 are required for its binding to P-selectin, but other post-translational modifications of PSGL-1 may also be important. We demonstrate that PSGL-1 synthesized in human HL-60 cells can be metabolically labeled with [35S]sulfate that is incorporated primarily into tyrosine sulfate. Treatment of PSGL-1 with a bacterial arylsulfatase releases sulfate from tyrosine, resulting in a concordant decrease in binding to P-selectin. These studies demonstrate that tyrosine sulfate on PSGL-1 functions in conjunction with sialylated and fucosylated glycans to mediate high affinity binding to P-selectin.

Arylsulfatases↗

PubMed1995

Leukocyte trafficking mediated by selectin-carbohydrate interactions.

The selectins have attracted intense interest because of their carbohydrate-recognition properties and their pivotal roles in leukocyte trafficking. Future studies will center on the mechanisms for regulating the expression of the selectins and their ligands, the molecular details of selectin binding to glycoprotein ligands and small carbohydrates, and the biophysical principles that selectins employ to mediate attachment and rolling of leukocytes under flow.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

Effects of protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors on egg activation and fertilization-dependent protein tyrosine kinase activity.

Fertilization results in the activation of protein tyrosine kinases within minutes of sperm-egg binding, although the role of the kinase(s) involved is not clear. In the present study, we have treated sea urchin eggs with genistein, as well as other protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and have characterized the subsequent effect on fertilization and egg activation. Genistein treatment of sea urchin eggs inhibits the overall fertilization-dependent tyrosine kinase activity as well as the specific phosphorylation of a 350-kDa protein, but it did not inhibit cAMP-dependent kinase and had little effect on protein kinase C at concentrations less than 100 microM. Genistein, erbstatin, and tyrphostin B42 did not inhibit the early events of fertilization such as elevation of the fertilization envelope; however, later events such as pronuclear migration, DNA synthesis, and cell division were inhibited. These results suggest that protein tyrosine kinases activated following fertilization play a role in the later events of egg activation such as the initiation of pronuclear movement and entry into the S phase of the cell cycle.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1995

P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 mediates rolling of human neutrophils on P-selectin.

Neutrophils roll on P-selectin expressed by activated platelets or endothelial cells under the shear stresses in the microcirculation. P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) is a high affinity ligand for P-selectin on myeloid cells. However, it has not been demonstrated that PSGL-1 contributes to the rolling of neutrophils on P-selectin. We developed two IgG mAbs, PL1 and PL2, that appear to recognize protein-dependent epitopes on human PSGL-1. The mAbs bound to PSGL-1 on all leukocytes as well as on heterologous cells transfected with PSGL-1 cDNA. PL1, but not PL2, blocked binding of 125-I-PSGL-1 to immobilized P-selectin, binding of fluid-phase P-selectin to myeloid and lymphoid leukocytes, adhesion of neutrophils to immobilized P-selectin under static conditions, and rolling of neutrophils on P-selectin-expressing CHO cells under a range of shear stresses. PSGL-1 was localized to microvilli on neutrophils, a topography that may facilitate its adhesive function. These data indicate that (a) PSGL-1 accounts for the high affinity binding sites for P-selectin on leukocytes, and (b) PSGL-1 must interact with P-selectin in order for neutrophils to roll on P-selectin at physiological shear stresses.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1995

Activation of polymorphonuclear leukocytes reduces their adhesion to P-selectin and causes redistribution of ligands for P-selectin on their surfaces.

In acute inflammatory responses, selectins mediate initial rolling of neutrophils (PMNs) along the endothelial surface. This is followed by tight adhesion that requires activation-dependent up-regulation of CD11/CD18 integrins on PMNs. For emigration to occur, the initial bonds that are established at the endothelial surface must be disengaged. We show that activation of PMNs results in their detachment from P-selectin, a glycoprotein expressed at the surface of inflamed endothelium that mediates initial tethering of PMNs. Loosening of the bond occurs when PMNs are activated by platelet-activating factor, which is coexpressed with P-selectin, or by other signaling molecules. The time course of reduced adhesion to P-selectin, when compared to up-regulation of CD11/CD18 integrins, suggests that "bond trading" may occur as activated PMNs transmigrate in vivo. Activation of PMNs did not alter binding of fluid-phase P-selectin, indicating that the ligand(s) for P-selectin is not shed or internalized. Using microspheres coated with P-selectin, we found that ligands for P-selectin were randomly distributed over the surfaces of rounded, unactivated PMNs. An antibody against P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) completely inhibited binding of P-selectin-coated beads suggesting that P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 is the critical binding site in this assay. In contrast to the dispersed pattern on unactivated PMNs, the ligands for P-selectin were localized on the uropods of activated, polarized cells. Pretreating PMNs with cytochalasin D before activation prevented the change in cell shape, the redistribution of binding sites for P-selectin-coated beads, and the decrease in cellular adhesiveness for P-selectin. These experiments indicate that the distribution of ligands for P-selectin is influenced by cellular activation and by cytoskeletal interactions, and that redistribution of these ligands may influence adhesive interactions. Activation of PMNs may cause loosening or disengagement of bonds between P-selectin and its ligands, facilitating transendothelial migration.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

Neutrophils use both shared and distinct mechanisms to adhere to selectins under static and flow conditions.

Both P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) and L-selectin are localized on the microvilli of neutrophils and have been implicated in the attachment of neutrophils to P-selectin or E-selectin. We directly compared the attachment and rolling of neutrophils on P-selectin and E-selectin under flow, with emphasis on the functions of PSGL-1 and L-selectin. Flowing neutrophils attached more avidly and rolled at lower velocities on P-selectin than on E-selectin at matched densities. Studies with purified molecules indicated that P-selectin and E-selectin bound to a related site on PSGL-1 that overlapped the epitope for the anti-PSGL-1 mAb PL1. E-selectin bound with lower affinity than P-selectin to this site and also bound to an additional site(s) on PSGL-1.PL1 abolished adhesion of neutrophils to P-selectin under shear or static conditions, whereas DREG-56, a mAb to L-selectin, had no effect on adhesion to P-selectin. PL1 inhibited attachment of neutrophils to E-selectin under flow but not static conditions. DREG-56 also inhibited attachment of flowing neutrophils to E-selectin, and a combination of DREG-56 and PL1 nearly eliminated attachment to E-selectin under flow. These data suggest that PSGL-1 functions cooperatively with L-selectin to mediate optimal attachment of flowing neutrophils to E-selectin but not to P-selectin. Neutrophils attach more efficiently and with greater strength to P-selectin, perhaps because of the higher affinity of P-selectin for the PL1-defined site on PSGL-1.

Animals↗

PubMed1994

The P-selectin glycoprotein ligand from human neutrophils displays sialylated, fucosylated, O-linked poly-N-acetyllactosamine.

We previously demonstrated that P-selectin binds with high affinity to a trace, homodimeric glycoprotein ligand on human myeloid cells. The ligand carries the sialyl Lewis x (sLe(x)) epitope, a limited number of N-linked glycans, and clustered, sialylated O-linked glycans. In this study we demonstrate that the polypeptide component of this ligand is identical to that of P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1), a molecule recently identified by expression cloning from a human myeloid cell cDNA library. We have examined the effects of glycosidases on purified, radioiodinated PSGL-1 from human neutrophils to further characterize the structure and function of the attached oligosaccharides. We found that PSGL-1 had poly-N-acetyllactosamine, only some of which could be removed with endo-beta-galactosidase. The majority of the Le(x) and sLe(x) structures were on endo-beta-galactosidase-sensitive chains. Peptide:N-glycosidase F (PNGaseF) treatment removed at least two of the three possible N-linked oligosaccharides from PSGL-1. Expression of Le(x) and sLe(x) was not detectably altered by PNGaseF digestion, indicating that these structures were primarily on O-linked poly-N-acetyllactosamine. Endo-beta-galactosidase-treated PSGL-1 retained the ability to bind to P-selectin, suggesting that some of the oligosaccharides recognized by P-selectin were either on enzyme-resistant poly-N-acetyllactosamine or on chains which lack poly-N-acetyllactosamine. PNGaseF treatment did not affect the ability of PSGL-1 to bind to P-selectin, demonstrating that the oligosaccharides required for P-selectin recognition are O-linked. PSGL-1 also bound to E-selectin, but with at least 50-fold lower affinity than to P-selectin. These data suggest that PSGL-1 from human neutrophils displays complex, sialylated, and fucosylated O-linked poly-N-acetyllactosamine that promote high affinity binding to P-selectin, but not to E-selectin.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1994

Identification of an abl-related protein tyrosine kinase in the cortex of the sea urchin egg: possible role at fertilization.

Fertilization results in the tyrosine phosphorylation of several egg proteins within minutes of sperm-egg binding, although the identity of the kinase(s) involved and the mechanism of regulation is not known. In the present study, we have used site-directed antibodies based on the predicted amino acid sequence of a sea urchin egg transcript that shares significant homology with members of the ABL family of protein tyrosine kinases. These antibodies identified a 220-kDa protein kinase, highly enriched in the egg cortex, where it is tightly associated with detergent-insoluble cytoskeletal elements. The enzyme is capable of phosphorylating synthetic peptide substrates which were used to characterize the kinase activity in an immune-complex assay. Measurement of the protein tyrosine kinase activity immunoprecipitated at different times after fertilization revealed that the level of kinase activity is transiently elevated during the first few minutes postinsemination. Western blot analysis indicated that the amount of the 220-kDa protein did not increase significantly during this period, so the increased kinase activity probably results from activation of the enzyme. These in vitro studies indicate that the 220-kDa abl-related kinase is one of the protein kinases activated during fertilization and suggest that it may play a role in the egg activation process.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed1994

Thoracic intrathymic thyroid.

OBJECTIVE: The authors introduce thoracic intrathymic thyroid as a clinical entity. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Although accessory aberrant thyroid has not been found in other tissues in the mediastinum, a thoracic intrathymic location has not been described previously. It is believed that mediastinal thyroid tissue represents accessory ectopic tissue from the median thyroid anlage. Moreover, the close association of the thymus and thyroid supports the theory that mediastinal ectopic thyroid tissue develops from abnormal descent of these structures during embryogenesis. METHODS: Benign thoracic intrathymic thyroid lesions are described in patients with mediastinal masses. CONCLUSION: Thoracic intrathymic thyroid is a distinct entity. Its occurrence is supported both clinically and embryologically.

Adult↗

PubMed1993

Structural and functional characterization of monomeric soluble P-selectin and comparison with membrane P-selectin.

P-selectin is an adhesion receptor for leukocytes on thrombin-activated platelets and endothelial cells. It contains a NH2-terminal carbohydrate-recognition domain, an epidermal growth factor motif, nine consensus repeats, a transmembrane domain, and a cytoplasmic tail. We expressed two soluble forms of P-selectin, one truncated after the ninth repeat (tPS) and the other lacking the transmembrane domain due to alternative RNA splicing (asPS). When visualized by electron microscopy, each was a monomeric rod-like structure with a globular domain at one end, whereas membrane P-selectin (mPS) from platelets formed rosettes with the globular domains facing outward. Sedimentation velocity and equilibrium studies confirmed that tPS and asPS were asymmetric monomers, whereas mPS was oligomeric. HL-60 cells adhered to immobilized tPS and asPS, although less efficiently than to mPS. 125I-Labeled tPS and asPS bound to approximately 25,000 sites/neutrophil and approximately 36,000 sites/HL-60 cell with an apparent Kd of 70 nM. Treatment of HL-60 cells with O-sialoglycoprotease eliminated the binding sites for asPS. We conclude that 1) P-selectin is a rigid, asymmetric protein; 2) monomeric soluble P-selectin binds to high affinity ligands with sialylated O-linked oligosaccharides on leukocytes; and 3) oligomerization of mPS enhances its avidity for leukocytes.

Alternative Splicing↗

PubMed1993

Characterization of a specific ligand for P-selectin on myeloid cells. A minor glycoprotein with sialylated O-linked oligosaccharides.

Lectin-carbohydrate recognition between the selectins and their ligands are among the earliest events in leukocyte recirculation, leukocyte recruitment into inflamed areas, and abnormal egress of leukocytes in diseases. Previously, we have described a dimeric sialoglycoprotein from myeloid cells with subunits of molecular mass = 120 kDa, which is selectively recognized by P-selectin (Moore, K.L., Stults, N.L., Diaz, S., Smith, D.F., Cummings, R.D., Varki, A., and McEver, R.P. (1992) J. Cell Biol. 188, 445-456). Here, we demonstrate that this P-selectin ligand carries alpha 2-3-linked sialic acids and the sialyl-Lewisx (SLex) tetrasaccharide motif. This glycoprotein contains < 1% of the total membrane-bound sialic acids and a very small fraction of the total SLex on neutrophil membranes. In spite of a relative resistance to sialidase digestion, the predominant form of sialic acid on the ligand is N-acetylneuraminic acid. Selective periodate oxidation of the side chain of sialic acids does not affect P-selectin binding and allows the introduction of tritium label into the truncated sialic acids. beta-Elimination with alkaline borohydride releases labeled O-linked oligosaccharides both from the labeled neutrophil ligand and from the ligand purified from HL-60 cells metabolically labeled with [3H]glucosamine. The ligand from both neutrophils and HL-60 cells is also susceptible to cleavage by the enzyme O-sialoglycoprotease from Pasteurella hemolytica. Analysis of the specificity of this enzyme suggests that the P-selectin ligand carries large numbers of closely spaced sialylated O-linked oligosaccharides. O-Sialoglycoprotease abolishes both direct binding of P-selectin to HL-60 cells and the adhesion of HL-60 cells to immobilized P-selectin, without significantly decreasing overall cell surface SLex expression. This indicates that the 120-kDa ligand may be the major determinant of P-selectin:myeloid cell interaction in vivo. Finally, based on the current and previous data, we hypothesize that the high affinity recognition site(s) of this P-selectin ligand may be derived from a "clustered saccharide patch" of sialylated fucosylated O-linked oligosaccharide sequences.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

PubMed1993

Retrovirus-mediated gene transfer to cystic fibrosis airway epithelial cells: effect of selectable marker sequences on long-term expression.

Retrovirus-mediated gene transfer offers the potential for stable long-term expression of transduced genes in host cells subsequent to integration of vector DNA into the host genome. Using a murine amphotropic retrovirus vector containing an interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) gene as a reporter and a neomycin phosphotransferase (neor) gene as a dominant selectable marker, we measured the efficiency of retrovirus-mediated gene transfer and the stability of transduced gene expression in a cystic fibrosis tracheal epithelial cell line (CFT1). The use of the IL-2R cell surface marker as a reporter of infection permitted both quantitation of vector gene expression and flow cytometric sorting of cells transduced with the vector. In initial studies, the optimal conditions for retrovirus-mediated gene transfer were determined. The presence of a polycation was required for optimal transduction efficiency. The efficiency of infection of CFT1 cells was increased by repetitive exposure to virus such that it was possible to transduce approximately 80% of the cells following three successive daily exposures. The long-term stability of expression of the non-selected IL-2R gene was also evaluated. A slow decline in the percentage of cells expressing IL-2R was seen with cells that were maintained under constant selection pressure for expression of the neor gene, which was expressed from an internal promoter. Similar results were obtained when cultures were selected initially for neor gene expression and maintained without selection thereafter. In contrast, stable expression was observed in CFT1 cells for at least one year following multiple infections in the absence of G418 selection. In conclusion, (i) transduction of foreign genes into human airway epithelial cells using an amphotropic retrovirus vector can be highly efficient in the presence of appropriate polycations and multiple exposures; and (ii) stable expression of a non-selected gene in these epithelial cells is better maintained without selection.

Cell Line↗

PubMed1993

Cytostatic effects of horseradish and thyroid peroxidase derived free radicals.

An otherwise noncytostatic flux of H2O2 from glucose and glucose oxidase became cytostatic to cultured Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells when horseradish or thyroid peroxidase was added to the culture medium. Electron spin resonance (ESR) measurements showed that one or more factors present in the culture medium promote the one-electron oxidation of a reduced nitroxide or glutathione in an H2O2/peroxidase-dependent process. Moreover, a reduced nitroxide conferred significant protection against the cytostatic effect of H2O2/peroxidase. Cytostatic effects were not only seen in the presence of the active H2O2/peroxidase system, but also in media which had been preexposed to H2O2/peroxidase but no longer contained an active H2O2 generating system. It is suggested that peroxidases oxidize one or more factors in tissue culture media to free radicals, which react with nearby components of cells or form toxic products, causing growth inhibition. If similar free radical precursors are present in tissue fluids, some of the toxicity of H2O2 in vivo may be due to peroxidase-mediated endogenous free radical generation.

Animals↗